I wanted to provide some additional information regarding your February 23 article, “CSKT Urges Intervention as B.C. Coal Mining Pollutants Increase” around Teck’s commitment to maintaining aquatic health in the region and the work underway to achieve that goal.
Teck is implementing the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan, a comprehensive approach to safeguarding the health of the watershed, developed in cooperation with governments in Canada and the U.S. as well as Indigenous groups, communities and scientific experts. As part of the plan, we are constructing water treatment facilities at our steelmaking coalmines in B.C., the first of which became fully operational earlier this month.
The West Line Creek Water Treatment Facility is now achieving its target for reducing concentrations of water quality constituents in mine-affected water. Concentrations of selenium in treated water are being reduced by approximately 96 percent and concentrations of nitrate by over 99 percent. This will have a positive impact on concentrations of these constituents throughout the watershed downstream and on both sides of the border.
We are also working collaboratively with stakeholders in both the U.S. and Canada as we continue to implement the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan, through initiatives like the Lake Koocanusa Monitoring and Research Working Group and the Elk Valley Cumulative Effects Management Framework.
Teck is focused on responsible resource development that supports both the environmental and economic well-being of the regions where we operate. As such, we are committed to taking the steps necessary to ensure the health of the watershed is maintained for generations to come.
Marcia Smith
senior vice president, sustainability and external affairs
Teck